The Rip-Off of a Nation

As we go to press, events in Russia are unfolding at an incredible speed. Daily newspapers -- let alone bimonthly magazines -- find it hard to keep pace with new developments in this, one of the worst crises Russia has faced in recent years. At press time, the Russian Duma had just rejected Yeltsin's candidate for prime minister, Viktor Chernomyrdin, a second time. By the time this issue is in readers' hands, all could be calm and Russia could have a functioning government. Or the Duma could be dissolved and Yeltsin and Chernomyrdin could be ruling by decree. No matter the results, average Russians must live through it. Which is why we asked Executive Editor Mikhail Ivanov to find out how Russia's long-suffering population is coping with the crisis.

“A ruble in the hand is better than two in a bank.”

A new piece of Russian folk wisdom.